Amid escalating violence in eastern DR Congo, tensions between South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame have intensified over their roles in the conflict. After 13 South African soldiers were killed near Goma, Ramaphosa accused Rwanda of bolstering the M23 rebel group, warning that further attacks would amount to a “declaration of war.” In response, Kagame accused Ramaphosa of distorting the facts, stating that Kigali is ready for a confrontation if Pretoria wishes to engage in one. The dispute underscores deeper historical and economic stakes for South Africa, whose interests in the DRC span security, trade, and extensive mining investments established since the 2002 Pretoria peace deal. Consequently, analysts caution that rising tensions and potential destabilization could disrupt regional trade and undermine investor confidence, thereby shifting Central Africa’s balance of power.
Source: DW
